Revivals
The Devils
Ken Russell
North American Premiere of Newly Restored 35mm Print
Ken Russell’s infamous adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s novel, about the apparent possession of a group of nuns after one (Vanessa Redgrave) accuses a priest (Oliver Reed) of collaborating with the devil, is at long last available in its full, uncensored splendor.
- Runtime
- 114 min
- Country
- U.K.
- Language
- English
- Year
- 1971
- More information
- Official film page
Screenings
Ken Russell’s controversial adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun is at long last available in its full, provocative splendor. This new restoration thrillingly incorporates material that was originally censored—footage that Russell deemed some of the best and most political work of his career. A young Derek Jarman designed the sets that house this story of a vengeful nun (Vanessa Redgrave) who accuses a priest (Oliver Reed) of collaborating with the devil, resulting in the apparent possession of an entire convent. A fearless account of state and church corruption, The Devils mixes graphic sexual imagery with religious iconography in an unforgettable spectacle that could only issue from the mind of Ken Russell. Following its NYFF64 premiere, The Devils will open on 35mm for a one-week engagement beginning October 16 at Film at Lincoln Center. A Warner Bros. Clockwork release.
New 4K restoration from the original camera negative of Ken Russell’s definitive vision of The Devils, using his privately constructed 2004 edit. Audio remastered from original English Composite 35mm Mag Film transferred at 96kHz, plus other original elements as needed. Picture and sound restoration performed by Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound.
Explore more on Film Comment:
Ken Russell’s controversial adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun is at long last available in its full, provocative splendor. This new restoration thrillingly incorporates material that was originally censored—footage that Russell deemed some of the best and most political work of his career. A young Derek Jarman designed the sets that house this story of a vengeful nun (Vanessa Redgrave) who accuses a priest (Oliver Reed) of collaborating with the devil, resulting in the apparent possession of an entire convent. A fearless account of state and church corruption, The Devils mixes graphic sexual imagery with religious iconography in an unforgettable spectacle that could only issue from the mind of Ken Russell. Following its NYFF64 premiere, The Devils will open on 35mm for a one-week engagement beginning October 16 at Film at Lincoln Center. A Warner Bros. Clockwork release.
New 4K restoration from the original camera negative of Ken Russell’s definitive vision of The Devils, using his privately constructed 2004 edit. Audio remastered from original English Composite 35mm Mag Film transferred at 96kHz, plus other original elements as needed. Picture and sound restoration performed by Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound.
Explore more on Film Comment: